MPs Launch E-Cig Inquiry

A cross-party group of MPs are to launch an inquiry into e-cigarettes in order to learn more about vaping and how to regulate the industry and culture.

Looking at the effectiveness of vaping as a means of quitting smoking, the science and technology committee will seek to establish the impact vaping has on health.

A recent report found that switching to e-cigs could cause fewer premature deaths, adding to existing findings from the scientific community and health organisations that e-cigs could be a valid alternative to smoking.

According to statistics, there are now three million people using e-cigarettes on a regular basis, and committee chair Norman Lamb of the Liberal Democrats says that vaping’s mixed messages are the reason for MPs launching their inquiry in e-cigarettes.

“They are seen by some as valuable tools that will reduce the number of people smoking ‘conventional’ cigarettes, and seen by others as ‘re-normalising’ smoking for the younger generation.”

“We want to understand where the gaps are in the evidence base, the impact of the regulations, and the implications of this growing industry on NHS costs and the UK’s public finances.”